Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)

The Co-op Program gives DePaul undergraduates in CTI, Commerce and LA&S the opportunity to:

• Integrate classroom study with “real world” experience within your major field of study
• Graduate with one to three years of professional work experience
• Receive on-going feedback from a Co-op Advisor and your work supervisor
• Fulfill your Experiential Learning Requirement
• Earn income to offset college expenses
• Develop your professional network

Co-ops are different from internships in that they:

• Are of longer duration (1 to 3 years with the same employer)
• Are directly related to your major and approved by a faculty member
• Involve progressively more challenging projects/assignments
• Are always paid work experiences
• Are indicated on your transcript

Co-op Eligibility Requirements:

• Sophomore, Junior or Early Senior standing
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Completion of Co-op Program Orientation or meeting with a Co-op staff member
• Commitment to working no more than 25 hours per week - no second jobs

Work Schedule

Students work year round at 20 - 25 hours per week, starting as early as their sophomore year. A minimum of one year of part-time work with the same employer will be required, although you may work as many as three years.

How to Get Started

Attend a Co-op Program Orientation

The Co-op Info Sessions will give you a comprehensive overview of the program and eligibility requirements. Register for a Co-op Info Session through DePaul.Experience.

Review available Co-op positions

Check out available co-op positions on DePaul.Experience and, if you meet the position requirements, apply online.

Note to International Students:
If you are an international student in F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant visa status, do not begin your co-op (paid or unpaid) without first obtaining the necessary authorization to engage in off-campus employment from the International Student Office (ISO). If you have any questions regarding employment authorization, contact the International Student Office in Lewis 1465 or (312) 362-8376.

Contact the Co-op Program Director

Once you have found a position you are interested in and qualified for, contact Emily Dovitz, Assistant Director, at 312.362.5220 or CoOp@depaul.edu , to discuss your participation in the program.

Co-op Course Information

All Co-op students are REQUIRED to take one 4 credit reflective course which will fulfill your Experiential Learning Requirement. Students can also take two additional internship courses as electives. Reflective courses will concentrate on your personal development as an employee, skills development, organizational awareness, the integration of academic theory and work, and career development.

More than 95% of co-op students secure some kind of employment immediately upon graduation, according to the National Association of College Admission Counseling. Get started today!

Contact Information

If you have questions about participating in DePaul's Cooperative Education Program, please contact:

Emily Dovitz
Assistant Director
University Internship and Cooperative Education Program
312-362-5220
CoOp@depaul.edu